Whether the theme centers on having a few drinks while playing a round, throwing a disc at creative obstacles instead of using a putter and ball, or even learning about World War II, Hays County has a course for that.
Listed below are three establishments that combine minigolf with a signature theme that are either now open or coming soon.
Memorial Miniature Golf and Museum, located at 1710 N. FM 1626, Buda, has a planned opening for late January at its spot just south of the new SW Hwy. 45 toll next to the residential Leisurewoods neighborhood. Owners and creators Brian and Rachel McKinney said it will be the world's first combination minigolf course and museum focused on WW II. "We will also have the world's first WWII fighter plane playscape in honor of our friend, fighter pilot Lt. Col. [Huie] Lamb, who shot down three German aircraft in WWII," Brian McKinney said. Among many facets of the company's mission statement, topping the list is the desire to educate the coming generation about Americans who fought in WW II, often referred to as the Greatest Generation. 512-835-6600. www.militarymuseumandminigolf.com
Putt Pub, a combination minigolf course and bar, opened Oct. 25 at 307 S. LBJ Drive, San Marcos. It features two full bars, an 18-hole minigolf course with various obstacles, indoor and outdoor seating, and "good vibes," according to owner Reilly Hursley. Hursley added 16 is the minimum age to play minigolf before 6 p.m. without a parent or guardian, and the adult minigolf bar only allows patrons over age 21 after 6 p.m. Social distancing protocols are in place at the establishment, and customers and staff are required to wear masks to enter. Putt Pub also has two food trucks on the premises and is blocks away from the San Marcos Square and walking distance from the Texas State University campus. Putt Pub is open Monday-Thursday from 3 p.m.-2 a.m. and Friday-Sunday from 1 p.m.-2 a.m. 512-222-9838. www.puttpub.com
The Flying Armadillo Disc Golf Course takes the minigolf concept from the classic putter and ball to the less traditional arm and disc. Established in 2015, owner Michael Lambert said his course, located a few miles from Texas State University at 3115 Hilliard Road, San Marcos, is perfect for seasoned pros as well as first-time disc-golfers. “I would compare it to how putt-putt is similar to ball golf,” Lambert said. “It’s a lot easier doing putt-putt than going out and swinging a driver. The mini putt-putt disc golf course has been so great at getting people who have never played before, [including] kids, who can compete with other players because the holes are so much shorter.” Flying Armadillo sits on 25 acres of land and also features a regular-sized disc golf course. The 18-hole mini disc golf course takes up about 4 acres and offers numerous fun obstacles to shoot through, including the Alamo hole, the dinosaur hole and the game show-themed hole. The cost for adults is $5, and kids age 12 and under may play for free. Camping options are available, as are memberships. Flying Armadillo is open 7 a.m.-10-p.m. daily. 936-443-9554. www.fadgc.com
